Diagnosed with PCOS today

Firstly apologies if I sound all "what about me" in this post, but I found out I had "PCOS" today (even though I should have perservered and got the diagnosis a long time ago ) and I'm just all over the place. I'm 28 years old and I was this close to crying on the phone to my mum (thankfully I held back)

Anyway... I've had no period for 4 years. I had weight loss to begin with, but then rapid weight gain. I now live at the gym, but where I used to love it, I now hate it. I have no energy and eat a ridiculously low-cal diet, pertified of anything that's remotely been near fat, let alone contains it. I have managed to get my weight down again - somewhere near normal, but it is SUCH a struggle, I just don't know how to keep it up. I'm scared to admit that to the doctor though, and they have me down as some kind of weight obsessed freak. I'm not obsessed - I just want to be a normal healthy weight, but I really really do have to live at the gym and eat the stupid way I do to achieve "normal" - otherwise it just piles on.

Anyway, I've been to the docs a few times due to lack of periods, but they always seem to pat my head (not literally, but you know what I mean) and say there-there go away for a few months and they'll come back... which is how I've got to four years without a single one.

The reason I've been going back again recently is for horrendous pains I'm getting down the right side of my abdomen. That's what made them send me for a UV scan which has shown both ovaries at PS, and a tiny cyst on the right side (2cm). Apparently it's tiny tiny so I don't need to bother with it, but they seem to forget it hurts like anything - I'm not sleeping because of it and have had mornings where I literally can't get out of bed.

The treatment they've given me is the pill ("marvelon") but I'm terrified of going on that because I'm battling with my weight so badly already and I think it's generally accepted you put pounds on with that.... so I decided that I'm not going to take it, but then read PCOS make you prone to weight gain... and whether or not I take it, I'm stuffed with thunderous pains down my right side because of the cyst. Should I just do nothing, take no extra medication except painkillers, and continue my current work-out... but then I don't know how I can do that...I'm just going to burn out.

I'm so so sorry to post such an angst fuelled angry post (I'm such a quiet thing in person), but I JUST don't know what to do. I haven't even been referred to a specialist - can I ask for that?? I've booked in another appointment tomorrow, but right now I just feel I'm going to go in and cry... I hate to waste their time, but what I am to do?

If anyone is out there who feels similar, any advice or someone just to say I'm not crazy... please anything will help.

There is no reason to feel bad, you have a right to be angry. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with PCOS and I felt the same way. I had to go to a fertility specialist to find out as my Gyn here failed to pick it up after 5 years under his care. I have also gained 12 kg in the last 2 years and I also live in the gym, I know exactly how you feel. I have been put on glucophage for my insulin levels and some ladies say they have lost a lot of weight on it. So I am hoping it will do the same for me. I cannot comment on whether or not to take the pill as I am ttc. I am sure someone here wil be able to give you some advise. I hope you appointment goes well tomorrow and the Dr will beable to give you something for the pain. I am sure if you ask to be referred to a specialistthen they have to refer you. I am not sure how it works. I am on private medical aid so the dr here has to refer e whether he wants to or not.

Hi JJ95,
Welcome to healthboards. Wow you sound exactly like me when I was first diagnosed about 10 years ago. And NO, you are NOT crazy, it's normal for you to be angry and confused and lost. This is all new to you and it's going to take time for you to come to terms with yourself and with PCOS. What I can suggest to you is to ask to be referred to a good specialist. I go to an IVF doctor who is specialized in PCOS. In the beginning, I also was not getting my periods so he put me on the pill (Yasmin). You know, the pill wasn't so bad because I did get my periods on a regular basis and I didn't gain that much weight. My doctor also put me on Metformin. Many women with PCOS are prescribed this medication, so when you go to another appointment mention this medication to your doctor. But just so you know, if you do go on Metformin it will take some time for you to get used to it because it causes nausea, vomiting, constipation, but on a good note, it might help you lose the weight a bit easier and for some women the periods come back on their own, it will also help control your blood sugar. Please keep in mind that everyone is different, Yasmin and Metformin were very good for me, but they might not be for you, so make sure your doctor runs all necessary test before taking these or any other pills.
I would also suggest for you to do a lot of research on PCOS and really try to understand it. It's good that you already go to the gym and eat healthy because those are the two main things doctors suggest for PCOS. I was also overweight but I lost about 25lbs also by exercising and eating healthy. I went off the pill about a month ago because my husband and I are ready for children, but nothing yet (cross you fingers).
What I can tell you about my personal experience with PCOS is that you'll learn to live with it and you'll learn to control it. Don't let it control you. And don't go through this by yourself, tell a best friend, a sister your mom, it's always good to have someone who will help you through this, and if you feel like crying go ahead don't hold back, it's normal to just let everything out.
I wish you well,
Your friend

Firstly a huge thank you for your kind messages - you really don't know how much I appreciate your support.

I went back for my appointment, and asked to be referred which is now in progress. This is a relief in itself - I'll be able to see someone who has seen patients going through exactly what I am experiencing, so that definitely gives me comfort that I'm doing something postive.

Solange3000 you are so right about the research. I'm like a sponge for PCOS information at the moment (it's amazing how much you learn in 24 hours!) and will continue to do all the research I need.

I don't really have any friends close enough to talk about things like this, so thank-you once again - you've really helped me come to terms with what this might mean for me.

~J

PS: I would love to be blessed with children one day and I'll keep my fingers tightly crossed for you

Thanks JJ95, I'm glad that we could help you and that you are feeling a little better. This healthboard is to try to help people like you and me, so whenever you need a friend we'll be here for you.
I'm glad you are doing the research and are going to be referred to a good doctor, believe me, it will help you a lot.

Thank you for crossing your fingers. I'll let you know if anything happens.

I have been told that I MAY have PCOS (go for more test when I start my mesus again). I seem to have a lot of PCOS symptoms, but I seem to have symptoms of other things too. One question is does PCOS cause constant pain EVERY day?